This dragon lady of the Ching Dynasty was the power behind the throne for 50 years, and her vast tapestry of palace intrigues is vividly brought to the screen in this memorable epic. Lisa Lu's passionate performance won her Taiwan's coveted Golden Horse Award for Best Actress, while the sumptuous costumes and sets won a Golden Horse for Best Colour Art Design, and the film was further awarded a statue for Superior Motion Picture. (SB-IVL)